Chapter 755
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Chapter 755
The battle for Pan Si Xing had been going on for the better part of an hour, but Song had yet to draw her new weapon.
There were valid reasons of course, chief of which was so she could keep an eye on Junior Martial Brother Fung to ensure he didnt spend the entire campaign wallowing in self-pity, indulging in drink, or generally shirking his duties as he was so wont to do. Truth be told, Song wasnt entirely sure why Mama took this silk-pants of a lecher as her Disciple, though she suspected it had something to do with Teacher Du turning him down only to snatch Yan away instead. Knowing Mamas competitive nature, it was entirely possible she had intended to train Junior Martial Brother Fung into a Warrior to match or even surpass Yan as a way of showing Teacher Du she could nurture a young Talent too, but if so, then Mama made a poor choice of student.
At first glance, Junior Brother Fung seemed a promising prospect, a young talent blessed with the physique, intelligence, and general aptitude required to stand out from his peers. The issue lay in his work ethic, of which he had none whatsoever. If given the choice, he would spend his mornings in bed, his afternoons reading and writing poetry, and his evenings drinking in the company of women, then repeat it all the next day. The fact that he won the Society Contests after Sister Mila and the others were chased out was a testament to Fungs natural genius, because Song doubted her Junior Martial Brother had ever willingly subjected himself to a full days worth of hard work.
Hence why Song was here watching over him, instead of fighting alongside her comrades in Rains retinue. Before the battle began, she already told him she and her many guards would only step in if he could no longer stand on his own, a decision she now regretted. Even though Fung had made something of a name for himself in recent years, she truly believed that most of his reputation was based on a carefully crafted facade, but he was doing better than expected. When he first arrived in Nan Ping for the Imperial Grand Conference, he made a big show of only accepting one random duel each day, then defeated his opponents so soundly that it made it seem as if he found fighting duels without reason beneath him. It helped that he fought Ryo Geom-Chi to a draw on his first day there, and later on, he proved his strength once again by fighting the traitor Mitsue Hideo and helping Dain and Seoyoon rescue their brother from the Defiled clutches. All this meant that despite his aggravating personality, lackadaisical nature, and general laziness, Junior Martial Brother Fung actually rated quite highly in the eyes of the common people. Not quite at the forefront of the generation, but surely among the strongest of his peers, an assessment that more than anything showed why no one should ever trust public opinion.
The plain truth of the matter was that Fung lacked stamina. Not surprising for a man who spent his days lazing about and his nights indulging in lust, which was why he avoided long and drawn out fights until now. Hence Songs decision to stand idly by while he fought again and again, not because she wasnt concerned with his health, but because she hoped that this would be enough to show her Junior Martial Brother the error of his ways and convince him to work harder from here on out. Though he claimed to dislike war and fighting in general, she knew that if he truly didnt want to be a part of the Western campaign, he wouldve found some way out long before Rains ships set sail in the first place. Say what you will about Songs Junior Martial Brother, but if he set his mind to something, then not even Mama possessed the ability to sway him.
A characteristic he put to good use here, fighting in the streets of Pan Si Xing without complaint. It was a striking sight to behold, a young Warrior in silken robes driving back the Defiled alongside his soldiers. With spear in hand, he seemed all but unstoppable as he waded through the Enemy lines, clearing aside all who stood before him with a single sweep of his weapon. It would be more interesting if his enemies were more impressive however, because thus far, hed only really come across chaff and fodder. With so much chaos breaking out all around the City, it was clear Bai Qi was still scrambling to regain control of his forces, especially the auxiliaries who behaved like traditional Defiled. Since the battle began, an endless stream of half-naked lunatics had come screaming down the streets, throwing themselves piecemeal upon the swords and spears of Fungs retinue for no real reason other than to do battle. Their skills generally varied from passable to near non-existent, though there were a few standout Champions that Fung had to personally deal with, like the foe he was contending with now.
The Champion slipped aside from Fungs thrust and blocked the ensuing strike before rushing forward to close the distance, only to come face to face with the butt of Fungs spear. A simple, standard exchange that barely ruffled Songs Junior Martial Brothers robes, which somehow remained clean and spotless despite all the blood, sweat, sand, and ash swirling about. Yet another question Mama could not or would not answer, where Junior Martial Brother Fung got his Runic Robes from, because as far as Song knew, even Tyrant OuYang Yuhuan, the number one Runic Craftsman of the North, was unable to embed runes onto silk. Not that it mattered, for Song counted herself lucky to still fit into the Runic Breastplate Rain won off of Zian all those years back, and was hardly greedy for more. She was just curious about her strange Junior Martial Brother who was just so full of contradictions. A brilliant Martial genius who loathed war and conflict. A cad and lecher of a man who was also a poignant poet capable of lifting the hearts of anyone who heard his lyrical verses. A lazy, undisciplined silk-pants of a slacker, yet loyal and trustworthy to a fault, for he held many a secret that he could easily use to his advantage.
In short, Song was having difficulty deciding if she liked her Junior Martial Brother as a person.
Chest heaving and brow slick with sweat, Fung fell back from the fighting for the third time today and struggled to catch his breath. He lasted less than a handful of minutes this time, his body drained and stamina spent almost as soon as the battle was underway, but at least he wasnt one to let pride blind himself to his limits. Seeing how quickly he emptied his water skin, Song refrained from pointing out he was supposed to conserve his water or chastising him for wasting the mouthful dribbling down his chin. Here in the West, water was more precious than gold and silver combined, but she handed him her water skin nonetheless because that was what a Senior Martial Sister was supposed to do. Luckily, the soldiers all had plenty of water since the mines had access to the aquifer underneath the city, though Song was curious how a reserve of water trapped underground could continue to supply a city for so many centuries. Truth be told, she wasnt entirely sure how anyone survived here in the inhospitable Western Province, though she had heard tales of beautiful, verdant oases scattered about the desert and more tolerable living environments once you moved closer to the ocean coastline. Perhaps she would see more of the West someday as Rains crusade to retake the province unfolded, but the gruelling desert climate and conditions had thus far failed to win her over.
Even the bone-chilling cold of the North was better than the sweltering heat of the West, for Song couldnt remember the last time shed felt comfortable. Between the slick sweat, coarse sand, and blinding sun, she was exhausted from simply standing around doing nothing, so she sympathized wholeheartedly with her pitiful Junior Martial Brother whod been fighting for some time now. Would you like me to step in? She asked through Sending, hoping to spare his pride in front of his soldiers, but he flashed her a look of such poignant disdain she wondered if hed somehow misheard her. His contempt wasnt enough to get him to speak however, as he simply shook his head and handed back her water skin, which she indicated he could keep it as she knew exactly where his mouth had been and would sooner share a bowl with Aurie. The manservant was quick to relieve his master of his burdens, and not for the first time, Song turned her mind to the third mystery surrounding her Junior Martial Brother. Why would someone as strong as Fu Zhu Li would be willing to lower himself to serve a mere silk-pants of a young Magistrate? Even Mama didnt know, or if she did, she wouldnt share, saying only that the half-weasel could be trusted to carry out his duties and keep his ward safe, no more, no less.
So very many questions, but in truth, Song really only wanted the answer to one. Why do you favour the spear so much, when you are clearly superior with the sword?
Ive already mastered the sword, came Fungs glib reply, and Song resisted the urge to smack the smug grin off his face. Mastered the sword, hmph. Even the Sword King Ryo Dae Jung would not have made such a claim, yet Fung dared joke about attaining mastery with his lacking skills? The real answer? Heaving a heavy sigh as if burdened by the weight of the world, he dabbed the sweat from his brow and said, I enjoy the aesthetics. Everyone expects a handsome and refined gentleman and scholar such as myself to wield a one-handed longsword or jian, to the point where it feels too conformist to go into battle with sword in hand. The spear is a weapon for soldiers, and so long as I am fighting a war, then a soldier is what I am.
Song only had to think about it for all of a second before replying, Youre lying. You favour the spear in duels as well unless matched against a superior foe.
Cant slip anything past you, Senior Martial Sister. Flashing a devilish grin that she hadnt seen from him in some months now, Fung said, Truth is, I enjoy seeing the look on my opponents faces when I smack them in the face with my long, girthy polearm, since again, one would hardly expect a gentleman such as myself to possess so fearsome a weapon.
There was more to Fungs statement than the words themselves, some sort of wordplay Song was missing, which she only realized because Sister Tursinai knuckled Fungs head in reproach. Mind your tongue in front of your Senior Martial Sister, the older woman huffed, only to quail before the glare of her stoic and intimidating Mentor, the half-gazelle Sentinel Yaruq. That wasnt enough to still the plucky womans tongue however as she rubbed Fungs forehead in unspoken apology. Youll have to answer to your Mentor if sweet Li-Li is led astray by your wicked ways.
There will come a day, Yaruq began, and it was telling how Tursinai shot to attention alongside Tenjin beside her, When you pay the price for your foolish antics. Perhaps it will be today, or seventy years from today, but that day will come to pass unless you correct your ways. When it does, only know that there is no cure for regret, but I fear this is a lesson you will not learn until you make the mistake yourself.
Sorry Mentor.
There was plenty of killing still yet to be done, and plenty of dying to boot.
The slaves. Oh how her heart ached with grief at the thought of those poor souls, and she wasnt sure which ones to pity more; the ones who died fighting in hopes of freedom, or the ones who would survive only to learn the soldiers did not intend to escort them away to safety. The plan was to help the Imperial citizens escape, but once they were out of the city, they would have to survive on their own, for Brother Baatars army would need to make a quick departure if they hoped to evade pursuit and return to Meng Sha alive. Pan Si Xing was deep in Enemy territory, and even if Mamas assault on Tian Zangli had gone perfectly to plan, she would still not be in any position to come support Brother Baatar, whose army lacked the manpower needed to scour Pan Si Xing clean of the Defiled invaders.
At least the slaves would die free. Not much of a consolation, but Song remembered how often she dreamed of doing just that all those years ago.
There was a rhythm to the fighting that Song soon fell into, one she didnt even notice until the cadence had already taken root in her body and mind. The stomping boots, clashing weapons, yelling combatants, and whinnying horses, all of it came together in a way she could not describe. Battles were always chaos and anarchy, and this one even more so without formations to maintain or lines to stand in, yet there was an order to the disorder that Song could just barely perceive, a logical progression she didnt so much follow as was drawn along by. Two Defiled approached from opposite directions, both having independently fixated on her as their target. The correct choice would be to engage the closer one on her right, yet she moved to kill the foe on her left first. As she did, a horse barrelled through the empty space shed just vacated, passing less than an arms length away as the rider dispatched her other foe while remaining wholly unaware of her presence. A pleasant surprise, but upon reflection, not actually a surprise. The horses head had blocked Song from the riders view, but shed moved to avoid them even before she registered the sound of the hoof-beats behind her, a mystery she had no time to ponder the implications as she moved on to her next foe.
Once might be a coincidence, but then it happened immediately again as Song twirled to intercept a previously unseen Wraith emerging from Concealment. With its black dagger raised to plunge into her back, it was caught wholly unprepared as her sabre cleaved through its waist from hip to hip in a spray of foul blood. How she knew it was there, she couldnt say, the same way she didnt know how she knew she could no longer afford to conserve her strength. Moving to the rhythm of the flow, she pushed past the still standing legs of her bisected foe and dove forward into a roll. Steel hissed behind her as it cut through empty air, and she pivoted about as she landed to deliver a slash to the Wraiths ankles. Pouncing over her toppling foe, she darted through two more Wraiths on either side who thought they were converging upon a helpless target, a notion she disabused them of as she brought her sabre back along the same course and carved through the ribs of the right Wraith, and the ribs of the left.
From start to finish, her movements made no logical sense whatsoever. She moved forward, then turned around to dive in the other direction before reversing her momentum once again, a confusing progression that left her foes unable to predict her next move, yet Song had done it so naturally it felt as if it were the only logical course of action in the world. Whats more, she had trouble discerning which Movements from which Forms shed used in the process, because she simply did whatever felt right. This was it, the strength that came from mastery of the Forms Dain had mentioned, the ability to dominate your foes through sheer skill alone. Her enhanced perception was still a mystery, but Song was not one to look a gift horse in the mouth as she whirled to meet her next foe. Putting the full weight and momentum of her body behind the attack, she delivered a diagonal slash to cleave her target from shoulder to hip -
Only to rebound off what felt like a solid mountain of steel.
Reeling to recover from the recoil, Song backpedalled away as her opponent came into focus. Dark pools of midnight oil stared out from behind a metallic mask of blackness, and Song marvelled at how the Half-Demons rage and fury could be so palpable despite its complete and utter lack of expression. The spear that blocked her sabre shifted, and Song twisted about, trusting her instincts more than her eyes to avoid a blow she could not track. The thrust drove the air from her lungs as it glanced off her Runic Armour, but she consoled herself with the knowledge that it would have pierced her throat if she hadnt moved. Giving herself over to the momentum as she sailed through the air, her stomach dropped as she noticed her foe was still hot in pursuit, dashing forward spear first to finish the job. The Half-Demon still had yet to blink, which she found fiercely intimidating, but as the daughter of Akanai and Husolt, Song would not allow herself to back down.
As the Half-Demon drew close, she lashed out with her sabre in a wild attack aimed at knocking the spear aside, which it easily avoided by drawing its weapon back. This was only expected as she was still hurtling through the air and limited in speed and power, which was why her foot was already waiting in place when the Half-Demon tried to lower its spear again. The angle wasnt quite right, but she pushed off the haft anyways, using it as a foothold to flip up and around in mid-air. Had she tried this without pushing off her foe, it would have caught up and killed her before she landed, but it was still a close call as things stood. Rather than attempting to match its strength or arrest its charge, Song landed lightly and immediately dropped into a crouch. Then, she turned her shoulder and bounced back onto her feet, twisting about as the Half-Demon crashed into her and using her shoulder to guide its body overhead. A shoulder throw, yet another unrecognizable Movement shed never utilized in this manner, but it felt right in the moment and worked wonders as the Half-Demon sailed head over heels over her. The impact still left her shaken, bruised, and reeling in pain, but most importantly, it left her alive.
This was Domain. It had to be, or at least the beginnings of one. She sensed what was happening around her without having to see them, for she was intrinsically linked to the area around her. Rain called it Spiritual Sense, but Song believed this sensation was merely part and parcel of Domain. Then again, maybe Spiritual Sense was the next step up, extending that extra perception beyond ones Domain, but regardless of the details, she knew she stood on the cusp of success. Staggering forward as the spear hammered home against her hip, she used the momentum to turn and face her foe while dodging yet another follow up in the process. The Half-Demon was already back on its feet and more furious than ever, but Song danced to the beat of her own music to stand firm before a flurry of blows. A sweep dodged, a thrust parried, a charge side-stepped altogether, she continued to avoid death by the skin of her teeth while bringing the Half-Demon about on a merry chase. In the moment, it felt like it lasted for an eternity, but in reality, it couldnt have been more than a few seconds and a dozen exchanges, ones that left her mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted.
Then, just as Song feared she could no longer keep this up, Yaruqs nine-sectioned staff slammed down into the Half-Demon with a hollow ring and splattered it across the sands, its deformed, pulped remains a most welcome sight to be sure. You did well to stay alive, the half-gazelle said, so calm and collected despite her ragged, bloodstained leathers telling the tale of a rough and hard-won engagement. With a few more years, perhaps it will be you guarding my foolish Disciple, rather than the other way around.
I still have a long way to go before catching up to Big Sister Tursinai.
This will not do. Song was only being honest, but Yaruq responded with muted pique and indignity. Big Sister Tursinai? Is that what the brat asked you to call her? No, no, no. As Baatars younger sister, it would be more appropriate for you to call me Big Sister, which means Tursinai only warrants Little Niece at best. Though delivered in an utterly genuine and deadpan manner, there was a glimmer in Yaruqs eye that clued Song in to the joke, while simultaneously warning her against ever calling the formidable woman Big Sister. Come, Yaruq continued, gesturing Song over to her side. The Enemy has placed great value on your head, more than I expected. Stay close, and they will not touch another hair on your head.
Though gratified by her concern, Song hesitated briefly before replying, I am close to a breakthrough, and so I would ask that you allow me to keep fighting.
Tilting her head in wordless question, Yaruqs lips quirked ever so slightly in a way that Song believed meant she was hiding a smile. As you were then. I will step in only to save your life, and not a moment before.
Which was exactly what Song wanted. Giving herself over to the rhythm of war, she set herself back upon her Path towards understanding Domain Development and felt herself drawing closer and closer with each passing step. Failure or success was not important any longer, because at the very least, she was making progress, which, by any measure, made today a good day.
Chapter Meme
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Chapter 755
The battle for Pan Si Xing had been going on for the better part of an hour, but Song had yet to draw her new weapon.
There were valid reasons of course, chief of which was so she could keep an eye on Junior Martial Brother Fung to ensure he didnt spend the entire campaign wallowing in self-pity, indulging in drink, or generally shirking his duties as he was so wont to do. Truth be told, Song wasnt entirely sure why Mama took this silk-pants of a lecher as her Disciple, though she suspected it had something to do with Teacher Du turning him down only to snatch Yan away instead. Knowing Mamas competitive nature, it was entirely possible she had intended to train Junior Martial Brother Fung into a Warrior to match or even surpass Yan as a way of showing Teacher Du she could nurture a young Talent too, but if so, then Mama made a poor choice of student.
At first glance, Junior Brother Fung seemed a promising prospect, a young talent blessed with the physique, intelligence, and general aptitude required to stand out from his peers. The issue lay in his work ethic, of which he had none whatsoever. If given the choice, he would spend his mornings in bed, his afternoons reading and writing poetry, and his evenings drinking in the company of women, then repeat it all the next day. The fact that he won the Society Contests after Sister Mila and the others were chased out was a testament to Fungs natural genius, because Song doubted her Junior Martial Brother had ever willingly subjected himself to a full days worth of hard work.
Hence why Song was here watching over him, instead of fighting alongside her comrades in Rains retinue. Before the battle began, she already told him she and her many guards would only step in if he could no longer stand on his own, a decision she now regretted. Even though Fung had made something of a name for himself in recent years, she truly believed that most of his reputation was based on a carefully crafted facade, but he was doing better than expected. When he first arrived in Nan Ping for the Imperial Grand Conference, he made a big show of only accepting one random duel each day, then defeated his opponents so soundly that it made it seem as if he found fighting duels without reason beneath him. It helped that he fought Ryo Geom-Chi to a draw on his first day there, and later on, he proved his strength once again by fighting the traitor Mitsue Hideo and helping Dain and Seoyoon rescue their brother from the Defiled clutches. All this meant that despite his aggravating personality, lackadaisical nature, and general laziness, Junior Martial Brother Fung actually rated quite highly in the eyes of the common people. Not quite at the forefront of the generation, but surely among the strongest of his peers, an assessment that more than anything showed why no one should ever trust public opinion.
The plain truth of the matter was that Fung lacked stamina. Not surprising for a man who spent his days lazing about and his nights indulging in lust, which was why he avoided long and drawn out fights until now. Hence Songs decision to stand idly by while he fought again and again, not because she wasnt concerned with his health, but because she hoped that this would be enough to show her Junior Martial Brother the error of his ways and convince him to work harder from here on out. Though he claimed to dislike war and fighting in general, she knew that if he truly didnt want to be a part of the Western campaign, he wouldve found some way out long before Rains ships set sail in the first place. Say what you will about Songs Junior Martial Brother, but if he set his mind to something, then not even Mama possessed the ability to sway him.
A characteristic he put to good use here, fighting in the streets of Pan Si Xing without complaint. It was a striking sight to behold, a young Warrior in silken robes driving back the Defiled alongside his soldiers. With spear in hand, he seemed all but unstoppable as he waded through the Enemy lines, clearing aside all who stood before him with a single sweep of his weapon. It would be more interesting if his enemies were more impressive however, because thus far, hed only really come across chaff and fodder. With so much chaos breaking out all around the City, it was clear Bai Qi was still scrambling to regain control of his forces, especially the auxiliaries who behaved like traditional Defiled. Since the battle began, an endless stream of half-naked lunatics had come screaming down the streets, throwing themselves piecemeal upon the swords and spears of Fungs retinue for no real reason other than to do battle. Their skills generally varied from passable to near non-existent, though there were a few standout Champions that Fung had to personally deal with, like the foe he was contending with now.
The Champion slipped aside from Fungs thrust and blocked the ensuing strike before rushing forward to close the distance, only to come face to face with the butt of Fungs spear. A simple, standard exchange that barely ruffled Songs Junior Martial Brothers robes, which somehow remained clean and spotless despite all the blood, sweat, sand, and ash swirling about. Yet another question Mama could not or would not answer, where Junior Martial Brother Fung got his Runic Robes from, because as far as Song knew, even Tyrant OuYang Yuhuan, the number one Runic Craftsman of the North, was unable to embed runes onto silk. Not that it mattered, for Song counted herself lucky to still fit into the Runic Breastplate Rain won off of Zian all those years back, and was hardly greedy for more. She was just curious about her strange Junior Martial Brother who was just so full of contradictions. A brilliant Martial genius who loathed war and conflict. A cad and lecher of a man who was also a poignant poet capable of lifting the hearts of anyone who heard his lyrical verses. A lazy, undisciplined silk-pants of a slacker, yet loyal and trustworthy to a fault, for he held many a secret that he could easily use to his advantage.
In short, Song was having difficulty deciding if she liked her Junior Martial Brother as a person.
Chest heaving and brow slick with sweat, Fung fell back from the fighting for the third time today and struggled to catch his breath. He lasted less than a handful of minutes this time, his body drained and stamina spent almost as soon as the battle was underway, but at least he wasnt one to let pride blind himself to his limits. Seeing how quickly he emptied his water skin, Song refrained from pointing out he was supposed to conserve his water or chastising him for wasting the mouthful dribbling down his chin. Here in the West, water was more precious than gold and silver combined, but she handed him her water skin nonetheless because that was what a Senior Martial Sister was supposed to do. Luckily, the soldiers all had plenty of water since the mines had access to the aquifer underneath the city, though Song was curious how a reserve of water trapped underground could continue to supply a city for so many centuries. Truth be told, she wasnt entirely sure how anyone survived here in the inhospitable Western Province, though she had heard tales of beautiful, verdant oases scattered about the desert and more tolerable living environments once you moved closer to the ocean coastline. Perhaps she would see more of the West someday as Rains crusade to retake the province unfolded, but the gruelling desert climate and conditions had thus far failed to win her over.
Even the bone-chilling cold of the North was better than the sweltering heat of the West, for Song couldnt remember the last time shed felt comfortable. Between the slick sweat, coarse sand, and blinding sun, she was exhausted from simply standing around doing nothing, so she sympathized wholeheartedly with her pitiful Junior Martial Brother whod been fighting for some time now. Would you like me to step in? She asked through Sending, hoping to spare his pride in front of his soldiers, but he flashed her a look of such poignant disdain she wondered if hed somehow misheard her. His contempt wasnt enough to get him to speak however, as he simply shook his head and handed back her water skin, which she indicated he could keep it as she knew exactly where his mouth had been and would sooner share a bowl with Aurie. The manservant was quick to relieve his master of his burdens, and not for the first time, Song turned her mind to the third mystery surrounding her Junior Martial Brother. Why would someone as strong as Fu Zhu Li would be willing to lower himself to serve a mere silk-pants of a young Magistrate? Even Mama didnt know, or if she did, she wouldnt share, saying only that the half-weasel could be trusted to carry out his duties and keep his ward safe, no more, no less.
So very many questions, but in truth, Song really only wanted the answer to one. Why do you favour the spear so much, when you are clearly superior with the sword?
Ive already mastered the sword, came Fungs glib reply, and Song resisted the urge to smack the smug grin off his face. Mastered the sword, hmph. Even the Sword King Ryo Dae Jung would not have made such a claim, yet Fung dared joke about attaining mastery with his lacking skills? The real answer? Heaving a heavy sigh as if burdened by the weight of the world, he dabbed the sweat from his brow and said, I enjoy the aesthetics. Everyone expects a handsome and refined gentleman and scholar such as myself to wield a one-handed longsword or jian, to the point where it feels too conformist to go into battle with sword in hand. The spear is a weapon for soldiers, and so long as I am fighting a war, then a soldier is what I am.
Song only had to think about it for all of a second before replying, Youre lying. You favour the spear in duels as well unless matched against a superior foe.
Cant slip anything past you, Senior Martial Sister. Flashing a devilish grin that she hadnt seen from him in some months now, Fung said, Truth is, I enjoy seeing the look on my opponents faces when I smack them in the face with my long, girthy polearm, since again, one would hardly expect a gentleman such as myself to possess so fearsome a weapon.
There was more to Fungs statement than the words themselves, some sort of wordplay Song was missing, which she only realized because Sister Tursinai knuckled Fungs head in reproach. Mind your tongue in front of your Senior Martial Sister, the older woman huffed, only to quail before the glare of her stoic and intimidating Mentor, the half-gazelle Sentinel Yaruq. That wasnt enough to still the plucky womans tongue however as she rubbed Fungs forehead in unspoken apology. Youll have to answer to your Mentor if sweet Li-Li is led astray by your wicked ways.
There will come a day, Yaruq began, and it was telling how Tursinai shot to attention alongside Tenjin beside her, When you pay the price for your foolish antics. Perhaps it will be today, or seventy years from today, but that day will come to pass unless you correct your ways. When it does, only know that there is no cure for regret, but I fear this is a lesson you will not learn until you make the mistake yourself.
Sorry Mentor.
There was plenty of killing still yet to be done, and plenty of dying to boot.
The slaves. Oh how her heart ached with grief at the thought of those poor souls, and she wasnt sure which ones to pity more; the ones who died fighting in hopes of freedom, or the ones who would survive only to learn the soldiers did not intend to escort them away to safety. The plan was to help the Imperial citizens escape, but once they were out of the city, they would have to survive on their own, for Brother Baatars army would need to make a quick departure if they hoped to evade pursuit and return to Meng Sha alive. Pan Si Xing was deep in Enemy territory, and even if Mamas assault on Tian Zangli had gone perfectly to plan, she would still not be in any position to come support Brother Baatar, whose army lacked the manpower needed to scour Pan Si Xing clean of the Defiled invaders.
At least the slaves would die free. Not much of a consolation, but Song remembered how often she dreamed of doing just that all those years ago.
There was a rhythm to the fighting that Song soon fell into, one she didnt even notice until the cadence had already taken root in her body and mind. The stomping boots, clashing weapons, yelling combatants, and whinnying horses, all of it came together in a way she could not describe. Battles were always chaos and anarchy, and this one even more so without formations to maintain or lines to stand in, yet there was an order to the disorder that Song could just barely perceive, a logical progression she didnt so much follow as was drawn along by. Two Defiled approached from opposite directions, both having independently fixated on her as their target. The correct choice would be to engage the closer one on her right, yet she moved to kill the foe on her left first. As she did, a horse barrelled through the empty space shed just vacated, passing less than an arms length away as the rider dispatched her other foe while remaining wholly unaware of her presence. A pleasant surprise, but upon reflection, not actually a surprise. The horses head had blocked Song from the riders view, but shed moved to avoid them even before she registered the sound of the hoof-beats behind her, a mystery she had no time to ponder the implications as she moved on to her next foe.
Once might be a coincidence, but then it happened immediately again as Song twirled to intercept a previously unseen Wraith emerging from Concealment. With its black dagger raised to plunge into her back, it was caught wholly unprepared as her sabre cleaved through its waist from hip to hip in a spray of foul blood. How she knew it was there, she couldnt say, the same way she didnt know how she knew she could no longer afford to conserve her strength. Moving to the rhythm of the flow, she pushed past the still standing legs of her bisected foe and dove forward into a roll. Steel hissed behind her as it cut through empty air, and she pivoted about as she landed to deliver a slash to the Wraiths ankles. Pouncing over her toppling foe, she darted through two more Wraiths on either side who thought they were converging upon a helpless target, a notion she disabused them of as she brought her sabre back along the same course and carved through the ribs of the right Wraith, and the ribs of the left.
From start to finish, her movements made no logical sense whatsoever. She moved forward, then turned around to dive in the other direction before reversing her momentum once again, a confusing progression that left her foes unable to predict her next move, yet Song had done it so naturally it felt as if it were the only logical course of action in the world. Whats more, she had trouble discerning which Movements from which Forms shed used in the process, because she simply did whatever felt right. This was it, the strength that came from mastery of the Forms Dain had mentioned, the ability to dominate your foes through sheer skill alone. Her enhanced perception was still a mystery, but Song was not one to look a gift horse in the mouth as she whirled to meet her next foe. Putting the full weight and momentum of her body behind the attack, she delivered a diagonal slash to cleave her target from shoulder to hip -
Only to rebound off what felt like a solid mountain of steel.
Reeling to recover from the recoil, Song backpedalled away as her opponent came into focus. Dark pools of midnight oil stared out from behind a metallic mask of blackness, and Song marvelled at how the Half-Demons rage and fury could be so palpable despite its complete and utter lack of expression. The spear that blocked her sabre shifted, and Song twisted about, trusting her instincts more than her eyes to avoid a blow she could not track. The thrust drove the air from her lungs as it glanced off her Runic Armour, but she consoled herself with the knowledge that it would have pierced her throat if she hadnt moved. Giving herself over to the momentum as she sailed through the air, her stomach dropped as she noticed her foe was still hot in pursuit, dashing forward spear first to finish the job. The Half-Demon still had yet to blink, which she found fiercely intimidating, but as the daughter of Akanai and Husolt, Song would not allow herself to back down.
As the Half-Demon drew close, she lashed out with her sabre in a wild attack aimed at knocking the spear aside, which it easily avoided by drawing its weapon back. This was only expected as she was still hurtling through the air and limited in speed and power, which was why her foot was already waiting in place when the Half-Demon tried to lower its spear again. The angle wasnt quite right, but she pushed off the haft anyways, using it as a foothold to flip up and around in mid-air. Had she tried this without pushing off her foe, it would have caught up and killed her before she landed, but it was still a close call as things stood. Rather than attempting to match its strength or arrest its charge, Song landed lightly and immediately dropped into a crouch. Then, she turned her shoulder and bounced back onto her feet, twisting about as the Half-Demon crashed into her and using her shoulder to guide its body overhead. A shoulder throw, yet another unrecognizable Movement shed never utilized in this manner, but it felt right in the moment and worked wonders as the Half-Demon sailed head over heels over her. The impact still left her shaken, bruised, and reeling in pain, but most importantly, it left her alive.
This was Domain. It had to be, or at least the beginnings of one. She sensed what was happening around her without having to see them, for she was intrinsically linked to the area around her. Rain called it Spiritual Sense, but Song believed this sensation was merely part and parcel of Domain. Then again, maybe Spiritual Sense was the next step up, extending that extra perception beyond ones Domain, but regardless of the details, she knew she stood on the cusp of success. Staggering forward as the spear hammered home against her hip, she used the momentum to turn and face her foe while dodging yet another follow up in the process. The Half-Demon was already back on its feet and more furious than ever, but Song danced to the beat of her own music to stand firm before a flurry of blows. A sweep dodged, a thrust parried, a charge side-stepped altogether, she continued to avoid death by the skin of her teeth while bringing the Half-Demon about on a merry chase. In the moment, it felt like it lasted for an eternity, but in reality, it couldnt have been more than a few seconds and a dozen exchanges, ones that left her mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted.
Then, just as Song feared she could no longer keep this up, Yaruqs nine-sectioned staff slammed down into the Half-Demon with a hollow ring and splattered it across the sands, its deformed, pulped remains a most welcome sight to be sure. You did well to stay alive, the half-gazelle said, so calm and collected despite her ragged, bloodstained leathers telling the tale of a rough and hard-won engagement. With a few more years, perhaps it will be you guarding my foolish Disciple, rather than the other way around.
I still have a long way to go before catching up to Big Sister Tursinai.
This will not do. Song was only being honest, but Yaruq responded with muted pique and indignity. Big Sister Tursinai? Is that what the brat asked you to call her? No, no, no. As Baatars younger sister, it would be more appropriate for you to call me Big Sister, which means Tursinai only warrants Little Niece at best. Though delivered in an utterly genuine and deadpan manner, there was a glimmer in Yaruqs eye that clued Song in to the joke, while simultaneously warning her against ever calling the formidable woman Big Sister. Come, Yaruq continued, gesturing Song over to her side. The Enemy has placed great value on your head, more than I expected. Stay close, and they will not touch another hair on your head.
Though gratified by her concern, Song hesitated briefly before replying, I am close to a breakthrough, and so I would ask that you allow me to keep fighting.
Tilting her head in wordless question, Yaruqs lips quirked ever so slightly in a way that Song believed meant she was hiding a smile. As you were then. I will step in only to save your life, and not a moment before.
Which was exactly what Song wanted. Giving herself over to the rhythm of war, she set herself back upon her Path towards understanding Domain Development and felt herself drawing closer and closer with each passing step. Failure or success was not important any longer, because at the very least, she was making progress, which, by any measure, made today a good day.
Chapter Meme
Chapter 755The battle for Pan Si Xing had been going on for the better part of an hour, but Song had yet to draw her new weapon.There were valid reasons of course, chief of which was so she could keep an eye on Junior Martial Brother Fung to ensure he didnt spend the entire campaign wallowing in self-pity, indulging in drink, or generally shirking his duties as he was so wont to do. Truth be told, Song wasnt entirely sure why Mama took this silk-pants of a lecher as her Disciple, though she suspected it had something to do with Teacher Du turning him down only to snatch Yan away instead. Knowing Mamas competitive nature, it was entirely possible she had intended to train Junior Martial Brother Fung into a Warrior to match or even surpass Yan as a way of showing Teacher Du she could nurture a young Talent too, but if so, then Mama made a poor choice of student.At first glance, Junior Brother Fung seemed a promising prospect, a young talent blessed with the physique, intelligence, and general aptitude required to stand out from his peers. The issue lay in his work ethic, of which he had none whatsoever. If given the choice, he would spend his mornings in bed, his afternoons reading and writing poetry, and his evenings drinking in the company of women, then repeat it all the next day. The fact that he won the Society Contests after Sister Mila and the others were chased out was a testament to Fungs natural genius, because Song doubted her Junior Martial Brother had ever willingly subjected himself to a full days worth of hard work.Hence why Song was here watching over him, instead of fighting alongside her comrades in Rains retinue. Before the battle began, she already told him she and her many guards would only step in if he could no longer stand on his own, a decision she now regretted. Even though Fung had made something of a name for himself in recent years, she truly believed that most of his reputation was based on a carefully crafted facade, but he was doing better than expected. When he first arrived in Nan Ping for the Imperial Grand Conference, he made a big show of only accepting one random duel each day, then defeated his opponents so soundly that it made it seem as if he found fighting duels without reason beneath him. It helped that he fought Ryo Geom-Chi to a draw on his first day there, and later on, he proved his strength once again by fighting the traitor Mitsue Hideo and helping Dain and Seoyoon rescue their brother from the Defiled clutches. All this meant that despite his aggravating personality, lackadaisical nature, and general laziness, Junior Martial Brother Fung actually rated quite highly in the eyes of the common people. Not quite at the forefront of the generation, but surely among the strongest of his peers, an assessment that more than anything showed why no one should ever trust public opinion.The plain truth of the matter was that Fung lacked stamina. Not surprising for a man who spent his days lazing about and his nights indulging in lust, which was why he avoided long and drawn out fights until now. Hence Songs decision to stand idly by while he fought again and again, not because she wasnt concerned with his health, but because she hoped that this would be enough to show her Junior Martial Brother the error of his ways and convince him to work harder from here on out. Though he claimed to dislike war and fighting in general, she knew that if he truly didnt want to be a part of the Western campaign, he wouldve found some way out long before Rains ships set sail in the first place. Say what you will about Songs Junior Martial Brother, but if he set his mind to something, then not even Mama possessed the ability to sway him.A characteristic he put to good use here, fighting in the streets of Pan Si Xing without complaint. It was a striking sight to behold, a young Warrior in silken robes driving back the Defiled alongside his soldiers. With spear in hand, he seemed all but unstoppable as he waded through the Enemy lines, clearing aside all who stood before him with a single sweep of his weapon. It would be more interesting if his enemies were more impressive however, because thus far, hed only really come across chaff and fodder. With so much chaos breaking out all around the City, it was clear Bai Qi was still scrambling to regain control of his forces, especially the auxiliaries who behaved like traditional Defiled. Since the battle began, an endless stream of half-naked lunatics had come screaming down the streets, throwing themselves piecemeal upon the swords and spears of Fungs retinue for no real reason other than to do battle. Their skills generally varied from passable to near non-existent, though there were a few standout Champions that Fung had to personally deal with, like the foe he was contending with now.The Champion slipped aside from Fungs thrust and blocked the ensuing strike before rushing forward to close the distance, only to come face to face with the butt of Fungs spear. A simple, standard exchange that barely ruffled Songs Junior Martial Brothers robes, which somehow remained clean and spotless despite all the blood, sweat, sand, and ash swirling about. Yet another question Mama could not or would not answer, where Junior Martial Brother Fung got his Runic Robes from, because as far as Song knew, even Tyrant OuYang Yuhuan, the number one Runic Craftsman of the North, was unable to embed runes onto silk. Not that it mattered, for Song counted herself lucky to still fit into the Runic Breastplate Rain won off of Zian all those years back, and was hardly greedy for more. She was just curious about her strange Junior Martial Brother who was just so full of contradictions. A brilliant Martial genius who loathed war and conflict. A cad and lecher of a man who was also a poignant poet capable of lifting the hearts of anyone who heard his lyrical verses. A lazy, undisciplined silk-pants of a slacker, yet loyal and trustworthy to a fault, for he held many a secret that he could easily use to his advantage.In short, Song was having difficulty deciding if she liked her Junior Martial Brother as a person.Chest heaving and brow slick with sweat, Fung fell back from the fighting for the third time today and struggled to catch his breath. He lasted less than a handful of minutes this time, his body drained and stamina spent almost as soon as the battle was underway, but at least he wasnt one to let pride blind himself to his limits. Seeing how quickly he emptied his water skin, Song refrained from pointing out he was supposed to conserve his water or chastising him for wasting the mouthful dribbling down his chin. Here in the West, water was more precious than gold and silver combined, but she handed him her water skin nonetheless because that was what a Senior Martial Sister was supposed to do. Luckily, the soldiers all had plenty of water since the mines had access to the aquifer underneath the city, though Song was curious how a reserve of water trapped underground could continue to supply a city for so many centuries. Truth be told, she wasnt entirely sure how anyone survived here in the inhospitable Western Province, though she had heard tales of beautiful, verdant oases scattered about the desert and more tolerable living environments once you moved closer to the ocean coastline. Perhaps she would see more of the West someday as Rains crusade to retake the province unfolded, but the gruelling desert climate and conditions had thus far failed to win her over.Even the bone-chilling cold of the North was better than the sweltering heat of the West, for Song couldnt remember the last time shed felt comfortable. Between the slick sweat, coarse sand, and blinding sun, she was exhausted from simply standing around doing nothing, so she sympathized wholeheartedly with her pitiful Junior Martial Brother whod been fighting for some time now. Would you like me to step in? She asked through Sending, hoping to spare his pride in front of his soldiers, but he flashed her a look of such poignant disdain she wondered if hed somehow misheard her. His contempt wasnt enough to get him to speak however, as he simply shook his head and handed back her water skin, which she indicated he could keep it as she knew exactly where his mouth had been and would sooner share a bowl with Aurie. The manservant was quick to relieve his master of his burdens, and not for the first time, Song turned her mind to the third mystery surrounding her Junior Martial Brother. Why would someone as strong as Fu Zhu Li would be willing to lower himself to serve a mere silk-pants of a young Magistrate? Even Mama didnt know, or if she did, she wouldnt share, saying only that the half-weasel could be trusted to carry out his duties and keep his ward safe, no more, no less.So very many questions, but in truth, Song really only wanted the answer to one. Why do you favour the spear so much, when you are clearly superior with the sword?Ive already mastered the sword, came Fungs glib reply, and Song resisted the urge to smack the smug grin off his face. Mastered the sword, hmph. Even the Sword King Ryo Dae Jung would not have made such a claim, yet Fung dared joke about attaining mastery with his lacking skills? The real answer? Heaving a heavy sigh as if burdened by the weight of the world, he dabbed the sweat from his brow and said, I enjoy the aesthetics. Everyone expects a handsome and refined gentleman and scholar such as myself to wield a one-handed longsword or jian, to the point where it feels too conformist to go into battle with sword in hand. The spear is a weapon for soldiers, and so long as I am fighting a war, then a soldier is what I am.Song only had to think about it for all of a second before replying, Youre lying. You favour the spear in duels as well unless matched against a superior foe.Cant slip anything past you, Senior Martial Sister. Flashing a devilish grin that she hadnt seen from him in some months now, Fung said, Truth is, I enjoy seeing the look on my opponents faces when I smack them in the face with my long, girthy polearm, since again, one would hardly expect a gentleman such as myself to possess so fearsome a weapon.There was more to Fungs statement than the words themselves, some sort of wordplay Song was missing, which she only realized because Sister Tursinai knuckled Fungs head in reproach. Mind your tongue in front of your Senior Martial Sister, the older woman huffed, only to quail before the glare of her stoic and intimidating Mentor, the half-gazelle Sentinel Yaruq. That wasnt enough to still the plucky womans tongue however as she rubbed Fungs forehead in unspoken apology. Youll have to answer to your Mentor if sweet Li-Li is led astray by your wicked ways.There will come a day, Yaruq began, and it was telling how Tursinai shot to attention alongside Tenjin beside her, When you pay the price for your foolish antics. Perhaps it will be today, or seventy years from today, but that day will come to pass unless you correct your ways. When it does, only know that there is no cure for regret, but I fear this is a lesson you will not learn until you make the mistake yourself.Sorry Mentor.There was plenty of killing still yet to be done, and plenty of dying to boot.The slaves. Oh how her heart ached with grief at the thought of those poor souls, and she wasnt sure which ones to pity more; the ones who died fighting in hopes of freedom, or the ones who would survive only to learn the soldiers did not intend to escort them away to safety. The plan was to help the Imperial citizens escape, but once they were out of the city, they would have to survive on their own, for Brother Baatars army would need to make a quick departure if they hoped to evade pursuit and return to Meng Sha alive. Pan Si Xing was deep in Enemy territory, and even if Mamas assault on Tian Zangli had gone perfectly to plan, she would still not be in any position to come support Brother Baatar, whose army lacked the manpower needed to scour Pan Si Xing clean of the Defiled invaders.At least the slaves would die free. Not much of a consolation, but Song remembered how often she dreamed of doing just that all those years ago.There was a rhythm to the fighting that Song soon fell into, one she didnt even notice until the cadence had already taken root in her body and mind. The stomping boots, clashing weapons, yelling combatants, and whinnying horses, all of it came together in a way she could not describe. Battles were always chaos and anarchy, and this one even more so without formations to maintain or lines to stand in, yet there was an order to the disorder that Song could just barely perceive, a logical progression she didnt so much follow as was drawn along by. Two Defiled approached from opposite directions, both having independently fixated on her as their target. The correct choice would be to engage the closer one on her right, yet she moved to kill the foe on her left first. As she did, a horse barrelled through the empty space shed just vacated, passing less than an arms length away as the rider dispatched her other foe while remaining wholly unaware of her presence. A pleasant surprise, but upon reflection, not actually a surprise. The horses head had blocked Song from the riders view, but shed moved to avoid them even before she registered the sound of the hoof-beats behind her, a mystery she had no time to ponder the implications as she moved on to her next foe.Once might be a coincidence, but then it happened immediately again as Song twirled to intercept a previously unseen Wraith emerging from Concealment. With its black dagger raised to plunge into her back, it was caught wholly unprepared as her sabre cleaved through its waist from hip to hip in a spray of foul blood. How she knew it was there, she couldnt say, the same way she didnt know how she knew she could no longer afford to conserve her strength. Moving to the rhythm of the flow, she pushed past the still standing legs of her bisected foe and dove forward into a roll. Steel hissed behind her as it cut through empty air, and she pivoted about as she landed to deliver a slash to the Wraiths ankles. Pouncing over her toppling foe, she darted through two more Wraiths on either side who thought they were converging upon a helpless target, a notion she disabused them of as she brought her sabre back along the same course and carved through the ribs of the right Wraith, and the ribs of the left.From start to finish, her movements made no logical sense whatsoever. She moved forward, then turned around to dive in the other direction before reversing her momentum once again, a confusing progression that left her foes unable to predict her next move, yet Song had done it so naturally it felt as if it were the only logical course of action in the world. Whats more, she had trouble discerning which Movements from which Forms shed used in the process, because she simply did whatever felt right. This was it, the strength that came from mastery of the Forms Dain had mentioned, the ability to dominate your foes through sheer skill alone. Her enhanced perception was still a mystery, but Song was not one to look a gift horse in the mouth as she whirled to meet her next foe. Putting the full weight and momentum of her body behind the attack, she delivered a diagonal slash to cleave her target from shoulder to hip -Only to rebound off what felt like a solid mountain of steel.Reeling to recover from the recoil, Song backpedalled away as her opponent came into focus. Dark pools of midnight oil stared out from behind a metallic mask of blackness, and Song marvelled at how the Half-Demons rage and fury could be so palpable despite its complete and utter lack of expression. The spear that blocked her sabre shifted, and Song twisted about, trusting her instincts more than her eyes to avoid a blow she could not track. The thrust drove the air from her lungs as it glanced off her Runic Armour, but she consoled herself with the knowledge that it would have pierced her throat if she hadnt moved. Giving herself over to the momentum as she sailed through the air, her stomach dropped as she noticed her foe was still hot in pursuit, dashing forward spear first to finish the job. The Half-Demon still had yet to blink, which she found fiercely intimidating, but as the daughter of Akanai and Husolt, Song would not allow herself to back down.As the Half-Demon drew close, she lashed out with her sabre in a wild attack aimed at knocking the spear aside, which it easily avoided by drawing its weapon back. This was only expected as she was still hurtling through the air and limited in speed and power, which was why her foot was already waiting in place when the Half-Demon tried to lower its spear again. The angle wasnt quite right, but she pushed off the haft anyways, using it as a foothold to flip up and around in mid-air. Had she tried this without pushing off her foe, it would have caught up and killed her before she landed, but it was still a close call as things stood. Rather than attempting to match its strength or arrest its charge, Song landed lightly and immediately dropped into a crouch. Then, she turned her shoulder and bounced back onto her feet, twisting about as the Half-Demon crashed into her and using her shoulder to guide its body overhead. A shoulder throw, yet another unrecognizable Movement shed never utilized in this manner, but it felt right in the moment and worked wonders as the Half-Demon sailed head over heels over her. The impact still left her shaken, bruised, and reeling in pain, but most importantly, it left her alive.This was Domain. It had to be, or at least the beginnings of one. She sensed what was happening around her without having to see them, for she was intrinsically linked to the area around her. Rain called it Spiritual Sense, but Song believed this sensation was merely part and parcel of Domain. Then again, maybe Spiritual Sense was the next step up, extending that extra perception beyond ones Domain, but regardless of the details, she knew she stood on the cusp of success. Staggering forward as the spear hammered home against her hip, she used the momentum to turn and face her foe while dodging yet another follow up in the process. The Half-Demon was already back on its feet and more furious than ever, but Song danced to the beat of her own music to stand firm before a flurry of blows. A sweep dodged, a thrust parried, a charge side-stepped altogether, she continued to avoid death by the skin of her teeth while bringing the Half-Demon about on a merry chase. In the moment, it felt like it lasted for an eternity, but in reality, it couldnt have been more than a few seconds and a dozen exchanges, ones that left her mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted.Then, just as Song feared she could no longer keep this up, Yaruqs nine-sectioned staff slammed down into the Half-Demon with a hollow ring and splattered it across the sands, its deformed, pulped remains a most welcome sight to be sure. You did well to stay alive, the half-gazelle said, so calm and collected despite her ragged, bloodstained leathers telling the tale of a rough and hard-won engagement. With a few more years, perhaps it will be you guarding my foolish Disciple, rather than the other way around.I still have a long way to go before catching up to Big Sister Tursinai.This will not do. Song was only being honest, but Yaruq responded with muted pique and indignity. Big Sister Tursinai? Is that what the brat asked you to call her? No, no, no. As Baatars younger sister, it would be more appropriate for you to call me Big Sister, which means Tursinai only warrants Little Niece at best. Though delivered in an utterly genuine and deadpan manner, there was a glimmer in Yaruqs eye that clued Song in to the joke, while simultaneously warning her against ever calling the formidable woman Big Sister. Come, Yaruq continued, gesturing Song over to her side. The Enemy has placed great value on your head, more than I expected. Stay close, and they will not touch another hair on your head.Though gratified by her concern, Song hesitated briefly before replying, I am close to a breakthrough, and so I would ask that you allow me to keep fighting.Tilting her head in wordless question, Yaruqs lips quirked ever so slightly in a way that Song believed meant she was hiding a smile. As you were then. I will step in only to save your life, and not a moment before.Which was exactly what Song wanted. Giving herself over to the rhythm of war, she set herself back upon her Path towards understanding Domain Development and felt herself drawing closer and closer with each passing step. Failure or success was not important any longer, because at the very least, she was making progress, which, by any measure, made today a good day.Chapter Meme
